Steven Halpern Keyboard Culture Meditation

Meditation with a Spirit Guide

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:45:31 -0600

Spirit guides — sometimes referred to as spirit helpers, guides, or guardian angels — are the souls of beings who have gained the wisdom that comes with having lived many lives. They are entities who help you on your journey to spiritual awareness.

People can contact their spirit guides during deep meditation or dreaming; everyone may have more than one spirit guide. Each guide is there to help you with something — healing yourself emotionally or physically, becoming spiritually aware and connecting with creative abilities.

Communicating with your spirit guide takes some practice. Always meditate on energy of 100% Pure Love and Light by saying “My spirit guide of 100% Pure Love and Light.” Once you have achieved a deep meditative state you are ready to try meeting your guide. Spirit guides indicate their presence through physical sensation.

For example, you may feel a tingle or pressure on the top of your head in response to your questions. Each spirit guide will connect with you, allowing you to recognize which of your guides is with you at any given time.

Practice spirit guide meditation and discover a new source of knowledge and deep understanding.

Keyboard Culture

Meditation Music – Using Free Audio Downloads

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Using music to meditate is as old as the art of meditation itself; audio frequencies provide a rhythmic beat to help focus the mind and breathing. The choice of music is a personal thing, based on what resonates with you. Your audio files could also include a variety of music to suit different moods and meditation techniques.

Some time ago, in the post “Sound Advice for a Sensual Valentine’s Day”, it reminisced about how it used to be a big deal to make a special “mix” tape to give to someone special. Technology these days makes it even easier to put together a personalized soundtrack. With your computer you can download audio files, often for free. Making your own personal meditation CD is a snap.

If you are new to meditation, you might consider websites offering free audio downloads. This will allow you to explore the world of meditation music while deciding what you like.

Keyboard Culture

Guided Meditation – Spiritual Support for Beginners

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0600

There are many different meditation techniques, but someone who is just beginning should consider guided meditation. This is simply meditation with a person guiding you who helps you concentrate on your mediation technique. To help overcome distractions, the person trying to meditate focuses on what the guide is saying or singing.

Guided meditation can be done with the aid of a CD or MP3 featuring recordings of a guide reading inspirational script or poetry. The guide may tell the meditating person what to do and what to focus on. There are many such recordings. Someone new to meditation should have no problem finding something uplifting.

There are guided meditation classes that teach meditation techniques and how to best stay focused. These classes sometimes have a specific goal such as physical health, relaxation, spiritual support or spiritual growth. Meditation can be a powerful tool for achieving these goals.

Keyboard Culture

Find Sanctuary in Your Own Meditation Garden

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Having a private place to reflect and relax enhances the meditation experience. A meditation garden is a peaceful sanctuary where you can tune into the rhythms of nature.

Meditation gardens don’t have to be elaborate. You can construct a small platform in your yard with corner posts and horizontal braces for hanging gauzy material to create privacy. Consider a small table to hold candles and a stereo for meditation music. Add cushions on the floor for comfort and blankets for chilly afternoons and your spot in the meditation garden is almost complete. Your sanctuary should include items that invoke relaxation for you personally.

Perhaps the sound of wind rustling through ornamental grass, a small wind-chime or the soft tinkling of running water transport you into a peaceful state. Perhaps you would enjoy statuary or planter boxes or a birdbath. What colors inspire relaxation for you? Flowers come in an endless array of colors; soft and muted or bright and cheerful.

Your choices are only limited by your imagination.

Keyboard Culture

Sensual Harmonics of Healing Sounds

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

In the prior postings, I discussed some soundtrack considerations. Obviously, you probably already have some of the more obvious choices, such as "Let's Get it On" and other songs with words. The beauty of using instrumental music is that if the words aren't quite right for your situation, those songs might set up a cognitive dissonance.

For instance, if the lyrics involve marriage and being together for the rest of your lives, and you both know that you're involved in a more 'right for right now' relationship, that can be awkward.

But it's not enough just to suggest instrumental music. Some of the rhythms used on many recordings are stressful in and of themselves. Dr. John Diamond documented this in his landmark book, "You're Body Doesn't Lie" about the same time as I wrote about this from a musician's viewpoint. It involves the fact that certain rhythms create stress because they are opposite to the natural beat of the heart.

For instance, the rhythms I use on my album, Music For Lovers - Volume 2 (The Rhythm Method) http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=53 uses rhythms that are in sync with the natural patterns of the body.

So pay attention to what you're feeling, and how you're breathing, when you listen to the music with the one you love. The vibe you save may be your own!

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sensual Sounds for Valentine's Day – Part 2

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Indeed, one of the easiest ways to improve circulation to the organs most obviously involved in romantic activity is to become more relaxed. This has proven to be of immense benefit to many men I know, and many that I do not know, but have received letters and emails from.

They are amazed that they can enhance their performance simply by changing the soundtrack of the music they were using. (Many kinds of music create more of a stress reaction than most people realize.)

Their partners, needless to say, were also very thankful.

When you relax, the blood vessels that are constricted by stress become less constricted, thereby allowing blood to flow more freely. Your body's innate intelligence takes over from there.

Is music more powerful than the little blue pill? Doubtful. But if you're looking for a non-drug alternative, you may want to consider fine-tuning the music you listen to with your lover, on Valentine's Day or throughout the year.

Listen to samples from my album Music for Lovers, Vol. 1 for an excellent example: http://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=74

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sensual Sounds for Valentine's Day

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Over the years, many people have asked me how healing and relaxing music is relevant to Valentine's Day. In other words, can this genre of music really have a positive effect on the heart and other vital organs?

The answer may surprise you.

One of the fundamental characteristics of evoking one's relaxation was popularized by Dr. Herbert Benson in his landmark book, "The Relaxation Response." He detailed physiological research that documented that an immediate benefit of achieving a relaxed state was enhancing blood flow throughout the body.

The first beneficiaries are the heart and brain. But think about it.

Biofeedback studies proved that individuals can use relaxation techniques to warm up cold extremities, like fingers and toes.

I know what you're thinking. And you're right.

My next post will offer more specifics.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sound Advice for Babies and New Parents - Part 4

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Dr. David Chamberlain presented his research that contradicted a prevailing misconception (pun intended) about using rock music during labor. He asked kids as soon as they could speak--in many cases, their memories hadn't faded away yet. And what they told him was: "Loud, pounding music hurts and frightens them."

Think about it. Their nervous systems have not built up any filters yet. Their little bodies are much more sensitive to stimulation of all the senses, especially sound and light. That's why you may want to consider your baby's needs as well as your own.

Over the last 30 years, I've received many letters from mothers who confirmed that the kind of music they played during birthing and at home made a significant difference in the behavior and well-being of their offspring. Three of the CDs they most highly recommended are:

Sound Advice for Babies and New Parents: Part 3

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

About 20 years ago, I was honored to present my work to the annual conference of the International Pre-and Perinatal Psychology Association in New York City.

I had been invited by Dr. Thomas Verny, whose international bestseller "The Secret Life of the Unborn Child" had revolutionized the field.

He had found, like many others, that there was a viable alternative to playing loud rock music while giving birth. In fact, for the well-being of the newborn, playing music that provide a nurturing field of sound, like the liquid and flowing music that I compose, might be much better.

One of the keynote speakers expanded upon the breakthroughs featured in Dr. Verny's book, which demonstrated that babies are much more aware of their world than we ever imagined.

One researcher did something no one else ever had. He asked the babies themselves.

My next post may really surprise you.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sound Advice for Babies and New Parents - Part 2

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

If you're a mother to be, what do you think is the best music to play while giving birth?

If you've read some of the same newspaper or magazine articles as I have, you might choose loud, pounding rock music. For example, "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen.

The idea, of course, is that you can synchronize the squeezing of your pelvic muscles in rhythmical contraction. And the loud volume would make it easier to make your own loud sounds.

And you'd be right--up to a point.

My next blog entry offers you another perspective.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sound Advice for Babies and New Parents – Part 1

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Research has proven that the sound environment of a newborn is very important. But you'd be amazed at how many contradictions you'll find if you read the scientific literature.

In the next several posts, I'll share an insider’s perspective on how to choose the best music for your baby.

There is a lot of mis-information and marketing masquerading that has become accepted as fact.

For instance, playing Mozart's music for your baby does not produce the results, like increasing IQ, that some would have you believe.

Besides, which composition by Mozart would you play? “The Marriage of Figaro”? (Many people really did use this, and wondered why it didn't work!)

No, there is much more to choosing the right soundtrack than opting for a composer who hasn't been alive in over 200 years.

My next post will include some provocative insights that I'm sure you'll find helpful.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sound Advice for a Sensual Valentine's Day – Part 2

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Back in the day, it was a big deal to make a special 'mix' tape to serenade your special someone. Nowadays, with MP3 players and playlists it's easier than ever.

Pay attention to the sequencing.

I recommend disabling the 'shuffle' function, so that you can structure a rising and falling intensity that works for you both.

You might want to create two soundtracks; one with words, the other purely instrumental. While words can touch us on a deep emotional level, many songs include lyrics that may be inappropriate to your current situation.

I'd be happy to post your Top Ten list of romantic music to share with other bloggers.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Sound Advice for a Sensual Valentine's Day – Part 1

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:01:32 -0600

This year, instead of giving your Valentine a standard gift of chocolate or flowers, why not give her/him an experience that can last all year long?

I'm talking about music. But not just any music. I mean music that actually gets your heart to beat as one, in sync, and simultaneously seduces you into the romantic ramifications of relaxing body and mind.

My next post will go into more detail, but for now, check out any track on MUSIC for LOVERS Vol. 1: https://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=74 or MUSIC FOR LOVERS Vol. 2: https://www.innerpeacemusic.com/albumdetail.asp?pid=53

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

Harmoniously Yours ™

Notes on Using Music to Reduce Stress Part 3

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 09:00:00 -0600

I've spoken with many writers who've written articles about music, and whose words indicated to me they did not understand the subject. I'm a musician as well as a researcher; they, on the other hand, are neither, but were assigned the topic by their editor.

There are so many books and articles on the market now that promote misinformation about choosing music to reduce stress. I've written extensively about this in my monthly newsletters over the past 20 years. (You can find recent newsletters on my website at www.innerpeacemusic.com, with archived years coming soon.) I encourage you to pay attention to the way your own body responds to music, and that way, you'll be able to assemble a collection of music that works for you.

Notes on Using Music to Reduce Stress Part 2

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:00:00 -0600

Making a statement as the one in Psychology Today that “listening to music lowers your stress level” is meaningless without appropriate recommendations as to which music to use. As the old saying goes, “the devil is in the details”

Most music has been proven to be an ineffective choice to reduce stress for a number of reasons. Here's just one example that you can verify for yourself. It's the physical phenomenon of rhythm entrainment.

Simply put: your heartbeat will automatically change its speed to match the tempo of the music you're listening to.